Has anybody had any luck with adopting a feral cat? If so, tell me aobut it!?

Answer 1

There was a cat that was hanging around outside of my business. For weeks, every time I tried to approach her, she would run away. One cold February morning, I walked into one of the buildings on the property and there she was sitting on a pile of foam carpet padding. I began talking to her in a calm manner and slowly walked toward her with one hand extended, palm down. She sniffed at my hand off and on for about three minutes and then I gently slid my hand across the top of her head and began stroking the top of her head. Then I moved my hand down her back and began scratching the spot just in front of her tail (works every time). After petting her for about ten minutes, I attempted to pick her up. She resisted at first but I went back to stroking her with one hang while gently picking her up. I took her inside my office where she hid under the desk. I sent one of my employees out to get some food and other cat related necessities. I coaxed her out from under the desk with some food, and after a few days she was fine. 6 weeks later she gave birth to a litter of 5 kittens and I she wouldn’t let me leave until she had finished cleaning the last one.

We remain the best of friends to this day.

Answer 2

In my picture you will see my two feral cats, Stinky & Blinky. I brought them back to New York from California. I was there for 2 months. There was a mother cat and 4 kittens roaming the apartment complex. During that time, I tried to make friends with them. The only way they would come close to me was if I fed them deli sandwich meat. When it was time to leave, I did not want to leave them there. But the airline only allowed 2 animals onboard each flight, and I was lucky enough to make reservations for 2 of the kittens. They were still wild and it was a bloody (I was the one bleeding) combat zone trying to get them into a carrier. But they were lost during the flight and I had to wait several hours for them when I got to New York. When I got them home, they looked like they were half dead from the flight. They had vomited and defecated all over. I kept them in one room for the first couple days. Within 3 days, they were the most lovable cats I have ever had. I think the flight calmed them down a lot. They are now 8 years old and I have never spent a night without them in my bed. They are constantly together--playing, grooming, doing their cat things together. They have always been indoor (nights)/outdoor (days) cats. The hunting instinct never left them and I still occasionally get their "presents." I often wonder whatever happened to the mother cat and their 2 other siblings. Stinky is sitting in my lap right now.

So yes, I have enjoyed these 2 immensely.

Answer 3

Cat - no. Kitten - yes.

Our cat Kirby was from a feral society of cats, and managed to get himself stuck in a car engine when he was about 4 weeks old. I got him out and took him home to meet my two cats.

He is different - more independent than the domestics I have, but in some ways the most affectionate. I don't know how much luck you'd have with an adult, but Kirby has tons of personality and I wouldn't change him for the world. He fights with other cats in the neighbourhood and brings me small dead things as gifts, and we did have a little trouble with litter training at first, but it all worked out. He's also drop-dead gorgeous - big marmalade tabby with green eyes.

Answer 4

Yup lots, you have to be really patient. Don't keep the food dish full all the time. Make sure at first you are only feeding it what they will take in a 12 hour period. Make sure they always see and know food comes from you. If yours likes wet food only do as much as they will eat in 15min then take it away. As they get older they will ask for food. When you bring food (It sounds silly) mimic as many cheerful cat sounds as you can(takes practice) they will apreciate that you are attempting to communicate. If ever your kitty answers you, you will know that this particular cat will eventually adore you. any chirp or purring chatter will seal the deal. Cats apear to believe they own thier people and if yours speaks to you they want to be your owner. Likewise if they continue to hiss at you past three weeks they may accept you but will never totally love you. had this happen to an ex spouse cat loved me not him ever.

Answer 5

We got adopted by a feral cat, but we already had a pretty tame cat. They hung out together, and she would eat food if we weren't around, but we could never really get close to her.

Answer 6

Yes I did. At first she hid under the entertainment center and would not come out. I was afraid she would starve or something. So I put food by it to entice her to come out. I typically stayed up late at night and while everyone else was asleep she would sneek out to eat etc., I did not talk to her or try to pet her at first. I just let her get used to being out when I was in the room. Then slowly she would come toward me and snif my hand and eventualy would let me pet her. It took a while but now she is my baby. She is the best pet I have ever had and she loves me more than anyone in the house. She walks around the house now and will let daughter pet her and hubby sometimes but she is still MY baby. She has been with us for almost 2 yrs now. She is still shy around stangers and will hide.

She even sleeps with me when I let her and is very affectionate toward me.

Kathy

Answer 7

I have a "former feral" I had alot of luck with established feeding times... instead of free feeding... so she knows that the food comes from me!... It has been two years ... I can pick her up and she even comes and sleeps on my legs at night!

Answer 8

Seems like a crazy idea, but make sure the thing has all it shots, feral cats are notorious for having diseases (among other things).

Answer 9

I have, Pumpkin used to be wild & wouldn't make eye contact with anyone. I just started feeding him one day, moving the bowl closer and closer. Then I started talking to him real calm & getting him used to being around me & used to the sound of my voice. Now after about 4 years he is happy! He lets me pet him and feed him all the time. And, yes, he knows his name!

But if you are looking for a cat try: www.petfinder.com

Answer 10

Weirdo came to me by way of stray. He hung out with another kitty in the neighborhood that we had befriended. He was a ragged looking thing. His head slung to the side. He had a torn ear. He had had his jaw broken and it healed funny. His bottom canine was pushing up his lip so he looked like he had a sneer on his face. One day while I was putting food out, I noticed a big sore on his shoulder. I had gotten him comfortable with quick pets while his head was in the bowl. One day, I put glob of antibiotic ointment on my hand and took a quick swipe on the sore when he wasn't looking. He healed fairly quickly after that. After about a year of talking to him, getting him used to touching and petting outside, I left the door open and he came in. Timid at first. I never made a move to go to him. Never stopped him from exploring. Quick movenment spooked him. About 2 weeks after that, he was at my feet while I was sitting down. I reached down and started petting him. He got into it and flipped onto his back giving me his belly. I dint go for it at first so I just gave him head scratches. Now, nearly 5 years after our first meeting, he's one of the most affectionate cats I have ever had.
I can now flip him onto his back in my lap and run my fingers along his belly while he purrs and kneeds the air. I can pick him up from the floor and the furniture if I have to. He sleeps inside when it's cold or raining. He sleeps with me on occasion. He scent marks me if I lay down with him and chirps at me when he sees me.
You must be willing to invest the time and patience with a feral cat. Not all stories will go as well as mine did. Start slowly to gain trust. Build on that. The cat will let you know when he's had enough. The trick is not to push. If he starts to get spooked by whats happing around him, give him the 'out' he needs. Keep trying.